Australia ranks among the top destinations globally for nursing education, with 22 universities appearing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Nursing. A master's in nursing is a 1–2 year postgraduate program that prepares students for advanced clinical, research, and leadership roles in healthcare. Indian students choose Australia because of strong nursing demand, better salary prospects, post-study work opportunities, and potential PR pathways.
Some of the popular Australian universities featured by QS Global Rankings 2026 are: University of Melbourne (#19), the University of Sydney (#25), and Monash University (#36). The annual tuition fees for the Master’s in Nursing Program in Australia range from AUD 36,869 to 51,300 (INR 25-39 lakh). Students can expect living expenses in the range between AUD 1,290-2,450 (INR 87,901-1.67 lakh).
Explore more: Study in Australia in 2026
- Why Study Nursing in Australia?
- Master’s in Nursing Australia University Rankings 2026
- Master’s in Nursing in Australia Fees for Indian Students
- Types of Master’s in Nursing Programs
- Admission Requirements for Master’s in Nursing
- Documents Requirements for Master’s in Nursing
- Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
- Visa Process in Australia for Indian Students
- Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
- Career Options After Master’s in Nursing in Australia
- FAQs
Why Study Nursing in Australia?
Some of the reasons to study in Australia are:
- Major cities of Australia, Melbourne (#5), Sydney (#6), and Brisbane (#26), are ranked by QS Best Student Cities globally for student-friendly education and lifestyle.
- Most Australian universities are listed in the QS rankings (Nursing), which clearly shows that Australian universities are well regarded in terms of nursing studies.
- Nursing is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, which can provide international students with post-study work opportunities and potential pathways toward permanent residency (PR) in Australia.
- Australia offers post-study work visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing graduates to stay and work in Australia after completing their degree.
Master’s in Nursing Australia University Rankings 2026
Some of the top-ranked Australian universities for a master's in nursing are mentioned in the table below with the latest 2026 rankings.
| University Name | Location | QS World University Rankings 2026 | QS Subject Rankings 2026 (Nursing) | Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | Melbourne | #19 | #29 | #24 |
| The University of Sydney | Sydney | #25 | #19 | #89 |
| Monash University | Melbourne | #36 | #19 | #40 |
| The University of Queensland | Brisbane | #42 | #51-100 | #100 |
| University of Technology Sydney | Sydney | #96 | #16 | #85 |
| Curtin University | Perth | #183 | #51-100 | #153 |
| University of Wollongong | Wollongong | #184 | #36 | #151 |
| Deakin University | Victoria | #207 | #38 | #157 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Brisbane | #226 | #51-100 | #164 |
| The University of Newcastle | New South Wales | #227 | #51-100 | #177 |
| La Trobe University | Melbourne | #233 | #42 | #189 |
| Griffith University | Brisbane | #268 | #30 | #205 |
| Flinders University | Adelaide | #387 | #50 | #289 |
| Western Sydney University | Sydney | #400 | #51-100 | #300 |
Master’s in Nursing in Australia Fees for Indian Students
In the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject “Nursing”, 22 Australian universities are listed. The table below shows the annual tuition fees for a master's in nursing at Australian universities.
| University Name | Program Offered | Annual Tuition Fees (AUD/INR) |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Sydney | Master of Nursing | AUD 51,300 (INR 34.9 lakh) |
| Monash University | Master of Nursing Practice | AUD 47,400 (INR 32 lakh) |
| The University of Melbourne | Master of Nursing Science | AUD 48,800 (INR 33 lakh) |
| University of Technology Sydney | MS Nursing | AUD 45,050 (INR 30 lakh) |
| Griffith University | Master of Nursing Practice | AUD 39,000 (INR 26 lakh) |
| La Trobe University | Master of Nursing Practice | AUD 45,000 (INR 30 lakh) |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Master of Nursing | AUD 45,300 (INR 34 lakh) |
| The University of Queensland | Master of Nursing | AUD 50,032 (INR 30 lakh) |
| The University of Newcastle | Master of Nursing | AUD 44,905 (INR 30 lakh) |
| Curtin University | Master of Nursing Practice | AUD 43,178 (INR 29.2 lakh) |
| Deakin University | Master of Nursing | AUD 41,000 (INR 28 lakh) |
| Flinders University | Master of Nursing | AUD 41,200 (INR 28 lakh) |
| University of Wollongong | Master of Nursing | AUD 44,370 (INR 30 lakh) |
| Western Sydney University | Master of Nursing | AUD 36,869 (INR 25 lakh) |
Note: Apart from tuition fees, students should also consider additional expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), study materials, and visa costs
Types of Master’s in Nursing Programs in Australia
The three types of master's in Nursing programs each have different admission requirements, course structures, and career outcomes.
| Program Type | Who is eligible? | Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Entry (Entry-to-Practice) | Non-nursing graduates (any bachelor's degree) | 2 years | Eligible to register as a Registered Nurse (RN) with AHPRA after graduation |
| Advanced Practice / Postgraduate Coursework | Already registered nurses seeking specialisation or leadership roles | 1-2 years | Advanced clinical skills, nurse educator, or nurse manager roles |
| Master's by Research | Nurses or health professionals seeking academic or research careers | 1.5-2 years | Research thesis; pathway to PhD; academic positions |
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Nursing
The admission requirements differ between graduate-entry and advanced-practice programs. Most universities generally require the following:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent for advanced practice programs)
- Minimum academic score of around 60–70% or equivalent GPA
- English language proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecard)
- Relevant work experience (required mainly for advanced practice or specialised nursing programs)
- Current nursing registration/licence (for registered nurse pathways)
Documents Requirements for Master’s in Nursing
Indian students usually need to submit the following documents during the application process:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Valid passport copy
- English Proficiency proof
- Updated resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Proof of nursing registration/license (if applicable)
- Work experience certificates (if required)
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of funds or financial documents
Check out: Admission Intakes in Australia
Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
The cost of living in Australia varies by city and student lifestyles. The table shows the breakdown of monthly expenses for 3 cities of Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Conversion Note: 1 AUD = INR 68.14 (as of 8 May 2026)
| Expenses | Sydney | Melbourne | Perth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared Rent/Flat) | AUD 1,200-1,600 (INR 81,768-1.09 lakh) |
AUD 1,000-1,400 (INR 68,140-95,396) |
AUD 850-1,200 (INR 57,919-81,768) |
| Food & Groceries | AUD 350-500 (INR 23,849-34,070) |
AUD 300-450 (INR 20,442-30,663) |
AUD 280-400 (INR 19,079-27,256) |
| Transportation | AUD 100-150 (INR 6,814-10,221) |
AUD 80-130 (INR 5,451-8,858) |
AUD 60-100 (INR 4,088-6,814) |
| Utilities | AUD 130-200 (INR 8,858-13,628) |
AUD 120-180 (INR 8,177-12,265) |
AUD 100-160 (INR 6,814-10,902) |
| Total Expenses | AUD 1,780-2,450 (INR 1.21-1.67 lakh) |
AUD 1,500-2,160 (INR 1.02-1.47 lakh) |
AUD 1,290-1,860 (INR 87,901-1.27 lakh) |
Source of Data: Numbeo
Student insights: Indian students consistently report that shared accommodation in Melbourne and Sydney costs AUD 1,000-1,600 (INR 68,140-1.09 lakh) per month per person. Students in Brisbane and Adelaide report AUD 600-900 (INR 40,884-61,326) per month for shared housing. Choosing a university in a smaller city can save you AUD 8,000-12,000 per year in living costs alone.
Visa Process in Australia for Indian Students
After receiving the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian university, Indian students must apply for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. The process includes document submission, payment of visa fees, biometric verification, and sometimes a Genuine Student (GS) assessment or interview.
Documents required generally include:
- Valid passport,
- CoE (Confirmation of enrolment)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
- Financial proof
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)*
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical examination reports
Note: *Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory health insurance policy for international students in Australia that helps cover medical and hospital expenses during their stay.
Also check out: Australia rejects 51% student visas in March 2026
Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
There are multiple scholarships in Australia for Indian Students, ranging from automatic tuition reductions to merit-based awards. Some of the popular ones are mentioned in the table below.
| University Name | Scholarship | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griffith University | International Academic Merit Scholarship | 20% tuition fee reduction | International students commencing in 2026 or 2027 (no separate application required) |
| University of Melbourne | Dorothy Jean Ineke Scholarship | Scholarship worth AUD 13,000 (INR 8.85 lakh) | Students enrolled in graduate coursework in Nursing at the University of Melbourne with strong grades. |
| Monash University | International Study Grants | AUD 5,000–10,000 (INR 3.4-6.8 lakh) | Students enrolled at Monash University with financial need or merit basis |
| University of Adelaide | Global Academic Excellence Scholarship | 50% reduction in tuition fee | Students enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Adelaide with a minimum GPA of 6.8 on a 7.0 scale (85-90%) |
| University of Newcastle | South Asia Excellence Scholarship | AUD 10,000 per annum (INR 6.8 lakh) | Students from South Asia (including India) are enrolled at the University of Newcastle.A strong academic record is required. |
| Curtin University | Global Curtin Scholarships (Merit-based) | 25% reduction in first-year tuition fee | International students enrolled at Curtin University with strong academic grades |
Note for Indian students: The Australia Awards Scholarship is the most comprehensive funding option available; it covers full tuition, living allowance, and return airfare. However, it is highly competitive and requires strong academic record.
Career Options After Master’s in Nursing in Australia
After completing a master's in nursing in Australia, Indian students can explore strong career opportunities in hospitals, aged care centres, community healthcare, and research institutions.
Popular job roles include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Educator
- Mental Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Aged Care Nurse
- Nursing Manager
Graduates may also become eligible for Australia’s post-study work visa, allowing them to stay and work in the country for 2–5 years, depending on the course level and study location
Check out: Jobs in Australia for Indians
A Master of Nursing in Australia offers strong career prospects, with average salaries starting at AUD 80,000 and job growth projected at 24.5% by 2033. With 22 universities ranked in the world’s top 100 for Nursing, multiple scholarship options, and post-study work visas of up to 4 years, Australia is a top choice for Indian students looking for quality education and a clear path to PR. MSc Nursing fees in Australia start from around 37,000 AUD per year in the top universities, which is compared to be lower than top universities in the USA or UK.
FAQs
Ques. How competitive is admission to top nursing universities in Australia?
Ans. Universities such as The University of Melbourne, Monash University, and The University of Sydney are competitive and usually require strong academic scores, English proficiency, and sometimes interviews or additional assessments.
Ques. Which is better for nursing: Australia, Canada, or the UK?
Ans. Australia is often preferred for higher salaries and PR opportunities, while the UK may have lower tuition fees and faster course durations. Canada is popular for immigration pathways, but has limited nursing seats for international students.
Ques. Which Australian city is best for Indian nursing students?
Ans. Sydney and Melbourne offer more university options and hospital exposure, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are often considered more affordable with lower living costs and regional visa benefits.
gxYz5c 23 TUltr2
| 02eUQl | aAOIPy | u5TFje | unO4Ie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 #25/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  University of Melbourne, MelbourneVictoria, Australia70%q8kmCZ | MS Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE72 | J9uNHw: (A$44,000/Yr)$31.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#24/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Monash University, MelbourneVictoria, Australia40%q8kmCZ | MS Nursing Practice Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE66 | J9uNHw: (A$46,000/Yr)$33.1K/Yr lpofqY: (A$15,840/Yr)$11.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#26/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  University of Technology Sydney, SydneyNew South Wales, Australia19%q8kmCZ | MN Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE65 | J9uNHw: (A$31,759/Yr)$22.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#20/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  The University of Sydney, SydneyNew South Wales, Australia30%q8kmCZ | MN Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE64 | J9uNHw: (A$51,289/Yr)$36.9K/Yr lpofqY: (A$11,760/Yr)$8.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C+1z8G
Best In Academic
Griffith University
Brisbane, Queensland
$29.9K
1st Year Fees
BN
Apply Now
Australian Graduate School of Management
Kensington, New South Wales
$44.6K
1st Year Fees
MFin
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, New South Wales
$31.8K
1st Year Fees
BN
Apply Now
Best In Academic
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland
$41.8K
1st Year Fees
Master of Data Science
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
University of Tasmania
Hobart, Tasmania
$29.5K
1st Year Fees
BN
Apply Now
.png?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch){kind=logo}
Best In Infrastructure
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, Queensland
$32.4K
1st Year Fees
MIT
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
Curtin University
Perth, Western Australia
$28.7K
1st Year Fees
MPhil Civil Engineering
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
University of New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales
$45.4K
1st Year Fees
MIT
Apply Now
Best In Infrastructure
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
$33.6K
1st Year Fees
BN
Apply Now
Best In Academic
Macquarie University
Sydney, New South Wales
$33.3K
1st Year Fees
Master of Data Science
Apply Now
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#45/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  The University of Queensland, BrisbaneQueensland, Australia40%q8kmCZ | MS Nursing Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE72 | J9uNHw: (A$50,032/Yr)$36K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  University of Wollongong, WollongongNew South Wales, Australia | M.N Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE62 | J9uNHw: (A$32,160/Yr)$23.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Curtin University, PerthWestern Australia, Australia50%q8kmCZ | MS Nursing Practice Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$41,766/Yr)$30.1K/Yr lpofqY: (A$14,560/Yr)$10.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Deakin University, GeelongVictoria, Australia75%q8kmCZ | MN Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | J9uNHw: (A$42,500/Yr)$30.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  University of Adelaide, AdelaideSouth Australia, Australia75%q8kmCZ | MS Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE64 | J9uNHw: (A$47,450/Yr)$34.2K/Yr lpofqY: (A$19,440/Yr)$14K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#42/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) | .png){kind=logo} Queensland University of Technology, BrisbaneQueensland, Australia77%q8kmCZ | M.S Practice Nursing (Advanced) Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$21,650/Yr)$15.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#47/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  University of Newcastle, NewcastleNew South Wales, Australia87%q8kmCZ | M.N Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$47,605/Yr)$34.3K/Yr lpofqY: (A$11,158/Yr)$8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#42/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  La Trobe University, MelbourneVictoria, Australia | M.N Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$35,000/Yr)$25.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#33/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Griffith University, BrisbaneQueensland, Australia | MS Advanced Nursing Practice Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE55 | J9uNHw: (A$39,000/Yr)$28.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 #151/500 ARWU Ranking 2022(Nursing) |  University of New England, ArmidaleNew South Wales, Australia90%q8kmCZ | Master Nursing Practice Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE65 | J9uNHw: (A$34,176/Yr)$24.6K/Yr lpofqY: (A$5,382/Yr)$3.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Flinders University, AdelaideSouth Australia, Australia | M.N Global Health Care (International Health Care) Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: Duolingo120TOEFL79PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$37,400/Yr)$26.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Western Sydney University, SydneyNew South Wales, Australia | M.N Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL82PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$34,488/Yr)$24.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Victoria University, MelbourneVictoria, Australia64%q8kmCZ | M.N Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$37,600/Yr)$27.1K/Yr lpofqY: (A$13,000/Yr)$9.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#101/225 QS Ranking 2025(Nursing) |  Edith Cowan University, PerthWestern Australia, Australia61%q8kmCZ | M.N Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL84PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$41,688/Yr)$30K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#101/500 ARWU Ranking 2022(Nursing) |  Federation University, BallaratVictoria, Australia80%q8kmCZ | M.N Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | J9uNHw: (A$22,700/Yr)$16.3K/Yr lpofqY: (A$224/Yr)$161.28/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#201/300 ARWU Ranking 2021(Nursing) |  Charles Darwin University, DarwinNorthern Territory , Australia59%q8kmCZ | MS Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE66 | J9uNHw: (A$37,780/Yr)$27.2K/Yr lpofqY: (A$8,900/Yr)$6.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
dOGVmW
